In a move to put more money in working people’s pockets, the government has overhauled the remit of the Low Pay Commission (LPC).
This will, for the first time, ensure the independent body considers the cost of living when it makes future recommendations to government on the minimum wage.
The Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“For too long working people have faced the worst of the cost of living crisis, but this Government is taking bold action to address it and make work pay.
The new remit to the LPC is the first of many vital steps we will take to support more people to stay in work and improve living standards.
Our focus remains on putting more money in working people’s pockets and boosting economic growth.”
The Business and Trade Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister have also instructed the LPC to narrow the gap between the minimum wage rate for 18–20-year-olds and the National Living Wage. This will be the first step towards achieving a single adult rate.
In addition to the cost of living, the remit of the LPC will continue to consider the impact on business, competitiveness, the labour market and the wider economy.
Inevitably, these changes will increase costs for business owners and government has confirmed that they recognise the importance of providing sufficient notice of changes to the minimum wage, so the timelines remain unchanged in the new remit. Government have asked the LPC to report back by the end of October, and the rates will increase in April 2025. Employers and workers alike can be confident that they will have sufficient advance knowledge of next year’s increases.